Motives that lead to physical activity in adults in the state of Sonora, Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to report the main reasons why an adult population in Sonora, Mexico engages in physical activity and whether these are different according to sex and age. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a convenience sample of 614 people in the 18-74 age range who engaged in physical activity in different sports centers and in some of the city's recognized gyms. In order to achieve the objective, the valid scale in Spanish version of Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised (MPAM-R) was used as a measurement instrument. This scale groups five reasons why people engage in physical activity: enjoyment, appearance, social, fitness/health and competition. In addition to the survey questions, information was requested on how long they have been doing physical activity, weekly frequency and the hours they devote to it each day. Significant differences were found by sex (p=0.01), in the competition factor, the challenge or the taste to compete are more determinant in men to carry out physical activity than women. By age range, in appearance and health factors (p<0.05), where groups from 25 to 34 years old are more motivated by physical, aesthetics and those from 45 and over to maintain good health. It is concluded from this study that the most important reasons for doing physical activity in both men and women surveyed are health and enjoyment of activity, and what least motivates them are social relationships, such as living with friends.